To gain an overview of the history of the Western world since the Renaissance.

To understand how early Western cultures, political developments, and economic structures still contribute to current life, identifying major themes and trends. Two specific examples of this are understanding of the shift in the religious paradigm caused by the Reformation and its resulting impact on the whole of Western civilization, and understanding of the shift from absolutism to democratic liberalism (and, in a related move, from a hierarchy based on birth to one based on merit).

To become familiar with the differences and similarities in the histories of various regions of Europe and the areas most heavily influenced by Europeans.

To recognize major actors and groups in Western history since 1500 and their roles in the evolution of Western civilization.

To understand how economic, social, and political developments interacted to create or discourage change.

To explain why Western civilization developed as it did prior to 1500, focusing on how economical, social, and political developments interacted to create or discourage change.

To identify significant features on appropriate maps and to comprehend the importance of chronology.

To sharpen academic proficiencies, including the ability to read and listen with comprehension and critical perception; to develop a larger and more varied vocabulary, while gathering information from printed sources (involving a variety of written communication forms and styles), electronic sources, and observation; to respond orally to questions and challenges; to recognize fallacies and inconsistencies; to distinguish knowledge, values, beliefs, and opinions; and to learn independently. In addition, the course will help students learn to write clearly, precisely, and in a well-organized manner, which involves the ability to construct and support hypotheses and arguments; to analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and interpret information and ideas; and to integrate knowledge and experience.

To develop historical perspective through learning that history is the art of interpreting an oral, written, and material record. Different historians may interpret the evidence differently.

Course Requirements

Class participation, based on the reading assignments, is required and will count for 8% of each student's final grade. Thus, students must complete all reading assignments as scheduled. The professor encourages students, before coming to class, to take notes from the readings assigned for that class period and to jot down any questions about them. Participation grades will be constructed from three elements: (a) attendance, (b) small-group discussions, and (c) large-group contributions.

Regular class attendance is essential. Students are limited to five unexcused absences. The only "excused" absences are those connected to school-sponsored activities. Any illness or problem that may cause a student to miss a number of classes should be discussed with the professor when the problem first arises.

Small-group discussions in the classroom must focus on the topic at hand (or related issues). Also, small-group work must involve everyone in the group. It is up to group members to involve a reluctant student by asking for opinions.

Large-group contributions consist of those things spoken to the whole class.

Using e-mail will be a regular part of this class. Every student must have an e-mail account, either at UW-BC or at home. In addition, during the semester, students will participate in a listserv (sort of like a chat group but with an editor). The listserv will put students into contact with others across the UW System who are taking U.S. history survey courses. The professor is also a member of the listserv, and her students must contribute at least twice during the semester (once before midterm). The e-mail component of the course will equal 4% of a student's final grade.

Students will periodically be asked to work in class on short assignments. These will not be quizzes but will assume knowledge of the required readings. Such assignments will not be announced in advance and cannot be made up if missed. However, the instructor will not deduct for those missed if the student is not in violation of the attendance policy stated above (in section 1a). These assignments will equal 5% of a student's final grade.

Exercise Topic

Read carefully the Salic Law and Anglo-Saxon Law (they may be found at the Avalon Project of the Yale Law School http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/avalon.htm). In an essay (400-700 words in length), compare and contrast these two sets of laws with the information about them in McKay and others (213-216).

Students must complete three Internet reviews (300-700 words in length) thar draw on the information in the assigned readings and the assigned sites. Each review will equal 8% of a student's final grade (for a total of 24%). Due dates are on the Class Schedule. The professor will deduct late points (3 points per week day) for assignments turned in after the due date. The site addresses are listed below. The professor will distribute a criteria sheet to help students understand her expectations for the reviews.

Students will periodically be asked to work in class on assignments. These will not always be quizzes but will assume knowledge of required readings. Such assignments will not be announced in advance and cannot be made up if missed. However, the instructor will not deduct for those missed if the student is not in violation of the attendance policy stated above (in section 1a). These assignments will equal 5% of a student's final grade.

The professor will give three examinations during the semester. Each will contain map and essay questions. The professor will provide the list of questions one week in advance. Students are expected to prepare thoroughly for an exam. The professor will drop a student's lowest grade on the three exams before figuring the final grade. The remaining two exams will each equal 19% of the final grade (for a total of 38%). Since the professor will drop one exam grade, she will not give make-up examinations unless the student makes arrangements before the scheduled exam period.

Students must take a comprehensive final exam. The professor will provide the questions at least one week in advance. THe final exam will equal 21% of a student's final grade.

For extra credit, students may write an essay of 300-700 words on this question: Evaluate whether the Cold War was actually good for Western civilization. The due date is on the Class Schedule, and this essay will not be accepted late.